| Phoenix Achieves What Works Cities Certification at the Platinum Level | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/innovation/2992 | Innovation | | 1/23/2024 4:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2992/Newsroom Photo Template.png | | Phoenix Achieves What Works Cities Certification at the Platinum Level | <div class="ExternalClass4F26021A8219453481D0BAD8E31ADAD7"><html>
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<p>Phoenix has been awarded the Bloomberg Philanthropies What Works Cities Certification at the Platinum Level – the highest recognition available – for establishing exceptional data capabilities to inform policy decision-making, allocate funding, improve services, evaluate program effectiveness, and engage residents. </p>
<p>"I'm ecstatic that Phoenix has achieved Platinum What Works Cities Certification, a testament to our data-driven approach to make life better for our residents," Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said. "Whether it's in designing innovative chilled water fountains or managing traffic flow in our busiest intersections, we are committed to continuous improvement for more effective, equitable service delivery."</p>
<p>Phoenix is one of 74 cities that have achieved the What Works Cities Certification distinction and more than 160 cities have submitted applications since the launch of the program in 2017. Prior to advancing to the Platinum Level, Phoenix was certified at both the Silver and Gold Levels. </p>
<p>“Focusing on a strong data-based approach is something I take great pride in as City Manager. Publicly showcasing data and key performance indicators allows us to be transparent with our residents, and it is the strategic use of data that helps us determine what is working well and where changes are needed – to help us better our city." Says Phoenix City Manager Jeff Barton. “The What Works Cities team has been a great partner over the years, and this achievement reflects Phoenix's unwavering dedication to evidence-based, effective governance and continuous improvement." </p>
<p>The What Works Cities Certification Standard measures a city's use of data based on <a href="https://whatworkscities.bloomberg.org/assessment/" target="_blank">43 criteria</a>. A city that achieves 68-84 percent is recognized as Gold and 85 percent or more is recognized to reach Platinum. Phoenix joins 12 newly Certified cities, six other currently Certified cities that have achieved a higher Certification level, and four cities being re-certified. </p>
<p>“We are excited to welcome the newly certified cities and congratulate those cities which have achieved a higher level or re-certified—they have all demonstrated a collective focus on how data can be used to build stronger communities," said Rochelle Haynes, Managing Director of What Works Cities Certification. “These cities understand that local government data use is a pre-condition to solving problems, assessing what is working, and improving how their city halls do business – and they are investing their resources accordingly."</p>
<p style="text-align:justify;">A notable example of Phoenix's use of data includes instituting data governance across departments through its <a href="http://www.phoenix.gov/dashboard" target="_blank">City Manager's Performance Dashboard</a> and continuous community engagement to inform key policies, including the City's climate action plan, contributing to the average Phoenix resident using approximately 34 percent less water today than the average resident in 1990. </p>
<p>“The Bloomberg Philanthropies What Works Cities Certification program represents a fast-growing community of policymakers raising the bar on what is possible for local government when it leverages data to address major challenges and opportunities facing the city," said James Anderson, who leads the Government Innovation program at Bloomberg Philanthropies.<strong> </strong>“More than 160 cities across the Americas are seeking the What Works Cities Certification seal of approval because city halls – like any other effective modern organization – must be leveraging data to make better decisions. The program provides local governments with that North Star – and we are glad to see its reach continue to grow." </p>
<p>The <a href="https://whatworkscities.bloomberg.org/cities/phoenix-arizona-usa/" target="_blank">What Works Cities</a> Certification program, launched in 2017 by Bloomberg Philanthropies and led by Results for America, is the international standard of data excellence in city governance. <br> </p>
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| Winners Announced for Phoenix’s Innovation Challenge | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/innovation/2953 | Innovation | | 12/18/2023 4:00:00 PM | | https://youtu.be/ZK1xFFT0T0o?si=DhJop_qXCA8DTDyU | Winners Announced for Phoenix’s Innovation Challenge | <div class="ExternalClassBA2B95AC7FFA44FC9EEA22BF3FBE2846"><html>The City of Phoenix Office of Innovation hosted its second hackathon competition in partnership with Venture Café Phoenix in early December. This year, competitors hacked ideas on how to increase manufactured shade within Phoenix. <br><br>Five teams presented their ideas to an audience and panel of judges highlighting unique ideas to increase shade in the city, including developing an app so residents can share where shade is needed; using solar panels on shade structures; using compost and recycled materials to build shade; adaptable, mobile and modular designs, and much more. More than 170 participated in this month's event.<br><br><p>The judges selected two winning teams for cash prizes and the audience selected their choice for bragging rights. </p><ul><li>First Place: Team Five won a $3500 prize </li><li>Second Place: Team Two won a $1500 prize </li><li>Audience Choice: Team Three received bragging rights</li></ul><p>Innovation is currently working with the Office of Heat Response and Mitigation to review ideas for potential pilot projects.</p><p>The Innovate PHX Challenge @ Venture Café Phoenix takes place twice a year with a mission to bring community innovators from all over Phoenix together to help solve some of the city's most pressing challenges. To stay in the loop on future hackathon events, visit <a target="_blank" href="file:///C:/Users/051757/AppData/Local/Microsoft/Windows/INetCache/Content.Outlook/BB2U6F0A/phoenix.gov/innovation">phoenix.gov/innovation</a> and sign up for the <a target="_blank" href="https://venturecafephoenix.org/">Venture Café Phoenix newsletter</a>. <br></p><p><br></p></html></div> | https://www.phoenix.gov/innovation | Video | innovation |
| Phoenix Partners with Venture Café Phoenix to Host Second Hackathon Event | https://www.phoenix.gov/newsroom/innovation/2946 | Innovation | | 12/4/2023 4:00:00 PM | https://www.phoenix.gov/newssite/Lists/NewsArticle/Attachments/2946/Copy of Untitled (749 x 421 px) (3).png | | Phoenix Partners with Venture Café Phoenix to Host Second Hackathon Event | <div class="ExternalClass17105508825A45A3B960AFDBB2F45E41"><p>The City of Phoenix's Office of Innovation is teaming up with Venture Café Phoenix to host its second hackathon event, partnering with the innovation community to develop solutions to city challenges. This time the theme is “Our Future's So Bright We've Got to Build Shade". Mayor Kate Gallego is scheduled to participate.</p><p>“Expanding shade in Phoenix is one of my top priorities, not only to beautify common spaces, but especially to curb adverse health effects from extreme summer heat. That's why we are so excited to host another Venture Café event to bring our city's best minds together to brainstorm innovative ways to create additional shade. Our best ideas come from our most passionate residents, and I can't wait to see what solutions folks bring to the table," said Mayor Gallego.</p><p>On Dec. 7, more than 30 participants will break into groups to hack innovative solutions to expand manufactured shade across the city. The teams will then present their ideas to a panel of judges and the Venture Café Phoenix community.</p><p>The winning team will receive a grand total of $3,500 and the second-place team will receive $1,500. All funds will be divided equally among team members. <br><strong> </strong><br>In April 2023, the Office of Innovation hosted its inaugural Innovate PHX Challenge at Venture Café Phoenix, powered by the Center for Entrepreneurial Innovation (CPI). More than 100 people participated in the all-day event developing ideas to expand access to chilled drinking water in public spaces. Innovation is currently testing ideas that came out of the challenge, including heat mitigation materials.</p><p>Phoenix residents interested in attending the hackathon can Join the City of Phoenix and Venture Café Phoenix on Dec. 7 from 5-7 p.m. at 850 N. 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004.</p><p>For more information contact <a href="mailto:innovate@phoenix.com" target="_blank">innovate@phoenix.com</a> or visit phoenix.gov/innovation.<br></p>
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